Programs for Peaceful Living Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Seniors deserve our respect and attention
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
By Brittany Spratt, Programs for Peaceful Living
Bingen, Washington— Across the globe, June 15 is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day during the full month of recognition. It is an opportunity for organizations like Programs for Peaceful Living to educate people and help protect seniors.
Elder abuse is a crime, whether that be physical, sexual, mental, or financial.
Many elders may be reluctant to report abuse, especially if it is coming from a related caregiver. This is why it is so important for community members and those who work closely with the elderly population to be aware of the signs of elder abuse.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), the following are red flags:
Unusual changes in behavior or sleep,
Fear, anxiety, or depression,
Becoming isolated or not responsive,
Broken bones, bruises, welts, cuts, sores, burns,
Untreated sexually transmitted diseases,
Dirtiness, poor nutrition, or dehydration,
Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aids, medication),
Unusual changes in bank account or money management,
Unusual or sudden changes in a will or other financial documents,
Fraudulent signatures on financial documents or unpaid bills.
If you are suspicious of any of the red flags listed above, please make a report by contacting your local Adult Protective Services Agency at 1 (800) 562-6078.
It is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse. NCEA lists things that everyone can do to build community support and help prevent elder abuse:
Learn the signs listed above,
Talk to friends and family members about how we can reduce abuse,
Prevent isolation by regularly visiting your loved ones,
Provide respite breaks for caregivers,
Contact a local Adult Protective Services team to learn how to support their work in helping older people and adults with disabilities,
Volunteer to be a friendly visitor to a nursing home or elder community.
If you need help protecting a senior in your life, contact Programs for Peaceful Living for assistance at 509-773-6100 or 509-493-2662. Or go to https://wagap.org to learn more about assistance available throughout Klickitat and Skamania counties to support seniors and vulnerable populations.
